A Letter from the CIO
Dr. Zach Gorman, Associate Vice President for Innovation and Chief Information Officer
Higher education is entering an unprecedented period of opportunity. As expectations from students, employees, and the communities we serve continue to evolve, institutions that thrive will be those that intentionally build the capabilities needed for the future. Technology plays a vital role in this journey, not as an end, but as a powerful enabler of teaching, learning, informed decision-making, and operational excellence. At Tarleton State University, our collaborative work across Innovative Technology Solutions, Institutional Data and Analytics, and the Transformational Realization Office is centered on positioning the institution for continued success and leadership. We are moving with purpose beyond incremental change by strengthening the foundations that allow innovation to grow responsibly, sustainably, and at scale. Artificial intelligence represents one of the most transformative opportunities in higher education today. Its potential is significant and realizing that potential begins with trust. Our approach emphasizes responsible integration supported by strong data practices, thoughtful governance, and shared understanding. We are committed to ensuring that AI enhances teaching and learning, streamlines administrative processes, and supports students and employees in ways that are transparent, secure, and aligned with Tarleton State University's values. Teaching and learning remain at the heart of everything we do. Modern learning spaces, dependable connectivity, and equitable access to technology are essential to a high-quality academic experience. We are intentionally investing in both digital and physical environments that foster instruction, collaboration, and engagement; ensuring that technology meaningfully supports learning and discovery. Data is another cornerstone of the university’s future. Institutions that lead are those that treat data as a trusted, shared asset. Through Institutional Data and Analytics, we are expanding access to high-quality information and strengthening the campus community’s ability to use data with confidence. This work goes beyond reporting; it empowers better questions, deeper insight, and more informed decisions at every level of the institution. Through the Transformational Realization Office, we are also enhancing how change happens at Tarleton State University. By focusing on continuous improvement and thoughtful portfolio management, we align strategy with execution, prioritize initiatives that have the greatest impact, and support change clearly, intentional, and sustainable. This discipline enables the university to move forward with confidence and shared purpose. This annual report reflects a division dedicated to enabling Tarleton State University’s future through trusted technology, accessible data, and intentional transformation. The work ahead is a shared endeavor, and we remain deeply committed to partnering with faculty, staff, and students as we continue this journey together. Together, we are not only preparing Tarleton State University to respond to change, but we are also positioning the university to help shape what comes next. - Dr. Zach Gorman Associate Vice President for Innovation Chief Information Officer
Featured Projects
A snapshot of major initiatives delivered or advanced during 2025.
Teamwork in Motion
How Texans collaborate every day in technology-backed platforms.
Microsoft Teams
In perspective: That’s about one message every 30–35 seconds during the workday - all year long.
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams
In perspective: Nearly 3 years of continuous conversation happening through Teams.
Students, faculty & staff
Weekly (inbound & outbound)
In perspective: Around 50 emails every second.
Office 365 storage
Quantifying Our Success
Service and performance metrics capturing the impact of OITS across campus.
Across all of OITS
In perspective: More than 100 technology problems solved every single workday - all year long.
Based on post-ticket surveys that were completed
Full-time
Department-wide
On-prem & cloud workloads
By our backup solution
Led by OITS across departments
Sep–Nov 2025 (approx.)
OITS Service Desk
Fall 2022 → Fall 2025
Keeping Texans Connected
Networks, classrooms, and phones that keep our community learning and working."
Stephenville campus (2025)
Availability across core networks
In perspective: About 50 minutes of downtime across an entire year - if spread evenly.
Across campus
Across all Tarleton sites
Average during semester
In perspective: Like connecting a small city to Wi-Fi at the same time - every class day.
Average per month
In perspective: Roughly 30+ million smartphone photos moving across Wi-Fi every month.
In perspective: Equivalent to roughly 100 million Netflix movies.
With standardized AV
Empowering students with consistent access to educational technology
Desk and shared phones
Supporting campus communication
Weekly
Cybersecurity & Compliance
In perspective: Roughly 230,000 dangerous web destinations blocked every day before anyone ever reaches them.
In perspective: Hundreds of thousands of security events being filtered or handled automatically every minute
Per month stopped before inbox delivery
In perspective: About 100,000 suspicious emails per day that never make it to inboxes.
Blocked per month
Tracked via IT Service Management(ITSM)
Across major services
University-wide
Faculty & staff modules
Per month
Prior to graduation
University Awards
Recognizing excellence and integrity across Tarleton State University.
Excellence Award
Isaac Belcher
“Honoring impactful innovation and leadership in information technology that strengthens the university”
Excellence Award
Andrew Eiland
“Recognizing exceptional innovation and IT leadership advancing Tarleton’s mission.”
Integrity Award
Cory Shaw
“Honoring ethical leadership and the highest standards of professionalism.”
Respect Award
Matt Bouquet
“Celebrating mentorship, collaboration, and commitment to equality.”
Texan Performance Excellence Awards
Recognizing individuals whose performance, collaboration, and service exemplify Tarleton’s core values.
Paul Quinnell
Westin Wells
William Smith
Clay Nelson
Toni Floyd
Russel Thompson
Tim Barnes
Randy Sims
Timothy Fife
Jake Hoon
Andrew Eiland
Achievements & Certifications
Celebrating professional growth, leadership, and service across OITS.
Certifications
-
Canvas Certified Technical Admin
Isaac Belcher, End User Support Specialist III -
Dell TechDirect
Jonathan Grantham, AV Specialist -
Apple Teacher
Jonathan Grantham -
Extron AV Associate
Jonathan Grantham; Shaquinnsha Hilliard, AV Specialist -
Dante Level 1 Certified
Shaquinnsha Hilliard -
Certified L.I.F.E (Leading, Investing, Fostering, Engaging) Completion
Matt Meyer, Deputy CIO -
Prosci Change Management Practitioner
Marenda Horton, TRO Manager; Clint Jones, TRO Project Coordinator -
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Clint Jones -
Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)
Jo Ann Kern, Director, TRO -
Business Relationship Manager Professional (BRMP)
Jericha Hopson, BRM for Research -
Juniper Networks Certified Associate Junos (JNCIA-Junos)
Mike Williams, Network Engineer IV; Matt Schaefer, Network Engineer III
Additional Achievements
- Master of Science in Data Science - Carlos Cruz, Data Governance Analyst
- Doctor of Education - Jo Ann Kern, Director, TRO
- SafeZone “Securing Executive Backing for Enterprise Safety” - Clint Jones
- Higher EDge “Texas Success Initiative Project Grant” - Clint Jones
- Texas Association for Institutional Research “Projecting Incoming Cohort Size & Course Enrollments via Machine Learning” - Scott Cook & Morgan Carter
- Association for Institutional Research Forum “Projecting Incoming Cohort Size & Course Enrollments via Machine Learning” - Scott Cook & Morgan Carter
- Southern Association for Institutional Research “Projecting Incoming Cohort Size & Course Enrollments via Machine Learning” - Scott Cook & Morgan Carter
- Texas Women in Higher Education “Guiding Stars” - Shani Taylor & Jericha Hopson
- “Translating BRM Institute Principles into Practice” - Jericha Hopson
- “The Doctor Who Framework for BRMs” - Jericha Hopson
- President, Texas Association for Institutional Research - Morgan Carter
- Texas Connection Consortium Leadership Council - Sherri Keene; Andrew Eiland
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